Experts say keep your beloved pets safe during this cold and snowy season

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The recent snowstorms across the country proved once again how fragile humans are, from dealing with the brutal cold to trying to clear a sidewalk without bringing on a heart attack.

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We all know our safety is of utmost importance, so we dress according to the weather. But – what about the family pet? Just because they have fur, doesn’t mean they won’t suffer the same cold conditions as their owners. Or slip and fall and suffer bruises, sprains and breaks like everyone else.

Experts warn against how inclement weather can impact on your pet, be it going for a walk in deep snow or being left out in the backyard for long periods of time. According to The Weather Network www.theweathernetwork.com/ca , when the temperature dips, your responsibility as a pet owner rises. “You have to know your pet and the environment that you live in, ” said Dr. Gary Landsberg, to www.theweathernetwork.com/ca . A veterinarian behaviourist with more than three decades of experience, Landsberg says the dangerous weather threshold for outdoor play is around “-10°C to -15°C, no matter what kind of breed you have.”

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And, although certain sled dogs can remain outside for hours, not all dogs fare as well in the snow. “Breeds with short hair, smaller breeds and breeds that aren’t used to spending time outside are usually more susceptible to the cold conditions,” he says on the site.

According to the ASPCA ( www.aspca.org ), “exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws.” Always carry a towel to immediately clean off sensitive paws.

When it’s a winter wonderland outside, give pets time to adjust to the temperature and be sure they are bundled appropriately, says Dr. Sarah Machell, medical director for Vetster, ( www.vetster.com/en ), a company that connects pet owners to veterinarians 24 hours a day. “Never let them off leash during a snowstorm as they can lose their scent and get lost,” said Machell via email. “Always watch for signs of frostbite, which include skin that appears white or blue, especially on earflaps. Keep an eye on them during walks to ensure that they don’t drink from puddles, which can contain toxic chemicals such as ethylene glycol – fatal for pets if ingested.”

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And just like humans can slip and get hurt, so do pets, especially dogs who may lose their footing on slippery terrain. “Certainly common injuries in deep snow and ice do happen – anything from  sprains and strains to more serious injuries, including cranial, ligament and fractures,” notes  Sandro Ferrari, owner of Toronto’s Brace Yourself Orthopaedics ( www.braceyourself.ca ), whose clientele has included  some of Canada’s top athletes – as well as dogs and even prized racehorses.

“One thing: Keep dogs off the ice! ” says Ferrari, who custom-makes canine orthopedic braces   through www.ORTHOpaws.ca . What should an owner do if the pet is injured while romping through snow? “Contact your veterinarian immediately. And keep your pet at rest until examined by your vet.”

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What does Ferrari have to say about doggy boots? “Personally, I’m not a big fan. Yes they look cute but dogs can be injured because of the instability they cause…shoes are for people not dogs.”

Ferrari says, on occasion, “I use little rubber slip covers for my dog. These are great because they offer good traction and prevent salt from getting between their paws. If your dog has a tiny cut under the paws, salt could be super painful.”

As for time in the snow and cold, Ferrari says “although  there are exceptions – if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.”

Lastly, adds Ferrari, “Spoil your dogs.T hey live life for the moment and love you no matter what. Remember ,they are only in our lives for a short time. Let’s keep them happy and healthy!”

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TIMELY TIPS FOR PET SAFETY

Trupanion, medical insurance company for cats and dogs, ( www.trupanion.com/canada ) offers the following tips to keep your furry friend warm and protected during winter storm season:

Frigid Cold Temperatures: Don’t assume your pet’s fur is perfect protection from the  winter weather. They may be in danger of hypothermia, potentially  leading to frostbite of pet’s ears, paws and tail.

Blizzard Conditions: Your pet should not be left outside alone in blizzard conditions; they can be scary and dangerous for pets as their senses can be overwhelmed – leading to disorientation. Make sure your pet has proper ID  (tags or microchip) in case they become lost.

Undernourishment/Dehydration: Colder weather means expending more energy to keep warm. Make sure to keep your pet on a balanced and healthy diet and plenty of water for proper hydration.

Antifreeze: A common chemical for our vehicles – antifreeze is toxic to your pet. Make sure to monitor your garage floors for any possible leaks that your pet might find tempting (antifreeze is sweet tasting to pets).

Shelter: If possible, keep your pets indoors during extreme winter weather. If they are in an outside shelter, make sure that it is free of drafts, well insulated with thick blankets and bedding for the comfort  and safety.